The search for the trapped Nigerian miners has taken a grim turn, with rescuers expressing a loss of hope in finding any of the miners alive. It has been over a week since the tragic incident occurred, and the chances of survival are becoming increasingly slim. At least 20 miners found themselves trapped when a pit collapsed in Galkogo village, located in central Niger state’s Shiroro district.
Ibrahim Audi Husseini, the spokesman for the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), delivered the heart-wrenching news to AFP on Tuesday. He stated, “All hope is lost of finding the miners alive. Eight days have elapsed since they were buried inside the pit.” This devastating update has brought immense grief to the families of the miners, who have already conducted the seventh day prayer for the departed souls of their loved ones. The situation is truly dire, and the rescuers are facing an uphill battle.
The rescue operation, which has been ongoing since the accident, has not been officially called off. However, the reality of the situation has led to a sense of finality for the families affected. Ibrahim Audi Husseini revealed that, due to a lack of proper equipment, artisanal miners were employed to painstakingly dig through the boulders covering the pit using only chisels. This slow and laborious process has posed significant challenges for the rescue efforts.
Initial reports from SEMA indicated that over 30 miners were trapped in the collapse. However, the police later revised the number down to 20. Despite this adjustment, Husseini has stood by SEMA’s assessment, asserting that the number of trapped miners exceeds 30 based on testimonies from villagers and other miners.
The tragedy in Shiroro is compounded by the ongoing insecurity in the region, with bandits terrorizing several districts in Niger state. These bandits have been responsible for raids on remote villages, looting, burning homes, and kidnapping residents for ransom. Last year, the Niger state government implemented a ban on mining activities in Shiroro, Munya, and Rafi districts due to safety concerns arising from the prevailing insecurity. However, artisanal miners have continued their work in defiance of the ban, driven by the urgent need to secure funds for essential needs in the face of displacement and economic hardship.
The situation in Shiroro is a stark reminder of the devastating impact of the insecurity and the challenges faced by the local communities. As we mourn the loss of the trapped miners, it is crucial to address the underlying issues of insecurity and economic hardship that have contributed to this tragic outcome. Our thoughts and prayers are with the affected families during this difficult time.
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Source: AFP
Picture: Pixabay